New Archbishop of the Latvian Lutheran Church Affirms Commitment to Traditional Views

The newly elected head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia (ELCL), Rinalds Grants, has stated that the Church will continue to adhere to traditional Christian teaching and does not plan to change its stance on key issues such as the ordination of women and the blessing of same-sex unions. This was reported by the religious news outlet «Blagovest».

In an interview with the Latvian TV program 900 Seconds, Archbishop Grants emphasized that he represents the conservative wing of the Church. Although some attempted to portray him as a more liberal candidate during the election process, he assured that he intends to follow the established theological course.

One of the key topics discussed in the interview was the issue of women’s ordination. According to Grants, this matter was previously considered and brought to a vote by the Synod of the ELCL, which decided to maintain the existing practice of allowing only men to be ordained. The archbishop stated that he does not intend to deviate from this tradition. Moreover, he noted that if the Church were to change its stance in the future, he would be forced to resign in order to remain honest with those who elected him.

Regarding same-sex unions, Archbishop Grants also confirmed the Church’s unchanged position. He referred to the clear teaching of the Holy Scripture, according to which such a union cannot be blessed in the name of God. At the same time, Grants emphasized that the ELCL remains open to all people, including members of the LGBT community: “There is always a place for them in the Church, but we will not bless such unions.”

Earlier, it was reported that the Holy Trinity–St. Sergius Convent in Riga, belonging to the Latvian Orthodox Church (under the Moscow Patriarchate), has ceased commemorating the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’ during liturgical services.